Should I be worried if buying a 5-6 year old CDP?


Hi All. For the past 12 months or so I have tried numerous sources, both CD/SACD players as well as DAC's (hooked up to a computer).

Many were imported (due to lack of local availability) which posed problems, especially when things went pear shaped, so I am now limiting my search to local gear. I went through testing of various players and the two on my short-list now are:
- Marantz SA7001KI (aka SA8001)
- Classe CDP-10 (preowned from a Classe distributor)

I have had them for around 5 days now and have been able to compare them thoroughly. Whilst they are close, I must admit that I find the Classe more enjoyable and more musical.

That brings me to my question - should I be worried about the fact that the Classe is a 5-6 year old unit? The Marantz is new (essentially out the box). I know the likes of Classe are known for their build quality, but I still have at the back of my mind the question of age.

The Classe is in great condition and I know the Classe distributors in the country who said that - should it need servicing - it should not be a problem.

So I am sitting with the dilemma - go for the unit which is brand new, newer technology, and has the benefit of SACD (a perk but not a requirement, as I do not have many); or go for the unit which is already 5-6 years old but ultimately sounds just that little bit better?

Cheers
X

PS. they would both come to about the exact same price
xenithon
Call or email Classe to confirm availability of service if needed. If you get a good answer then go for the Classe.
New technology is not necessarily better in CD reproduction. There is a school of thought which believes that sound quality has been compromised by a switch to better measuring but worse sounding electrical components. My own transports and players are , with one exception, at least 16 years old, have had no problems. All Meridian except my Tri Vista 21 DAC.
Stanwal - yes, the one thing I noted is that the Classe sounds better to these ears. Thus it is not too much of a concern in terms of technology (it actually upsamples to 24/192 I believe so is no slouch in that respect); but more so age of the model/unit...mechanical wear and tear, age-induced component failure etc.
yes. Best bet is to buy a sony refurb 595 for $60 on the sonystyle site. If you don't like it they will come and get it for free. How can you go wrong? This way you compare and you decide.